17 Year Old Illiger's Macaw Biting

kunala6

New member
Dec 19, 2016
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Hi

I recently adopted a 17 year old Illiger's Macaw. They are not sure about his age but estimated to be about 17 years. For the most part he is a great bird, wants to socialize with us when we are around will take treats from our hands. He is missing some toes, I was told he was in with a female that bit them off not sure how true. But he is very scared of hands I can't get him to step up on my arm or hand, he will take treats though from our hands. He also won't let anyone pet him. I have toweled him and taken him away from his cage and want he will sit on my stomach if i am on the couch, or even let me groom the back of his neck a little bit. His initial reaction though all the time is to bite. He does have a painful bite and my fingers are sore. From research I am not suppose to react to a bite, which I try not to but sometimes it is not that easy. I have had him for about a month and he will try and say hello every now and then when I try to teach him. Is there any other tips or tricks that has worked for anyone especially with an older bird?

Thank You
Kunal Patel
 

Kentuckienne

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Oct 9, 2016
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Roommates include Gus, Blue and gold macaw rescue and Coco, secondhand amazon
At the top of the Macaw forum is a sticky post called "Big Beak-o-Phobes guide" and it has some great information in it about how macaws use their beaks.
 

SilleIN

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Aug 18, 2016
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Lots of parrots, most of them rescues
I would start target/touch training him. It's a great bonding tool and will get him used to your hand getting closer without having it touch him. It also teaches him to come towards you instead of away from you.

I have used wooden chop sticks with great success. I use the ones you get from take out places. They are free (if you eat Chinese take out) and if/when they bite them too hard and they break, you just throw them away :)

There are a LOT of videos on youtube explaining touch/target training for parrots.
 
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kunala6

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Dec 19, 2016
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Thank you the two posts really did help.

I have started target training with him, he seems to understand but is being stubborn about. How long do you usually train your bird for. Should I try intervals, 15 minutes and 15 minutes off?
 

SilleIN

Active member
Aug 18, 2016
495
33
Denmark
Parrots
Lots of parrots, most of them rescues
If he is not used to training, you should only do 2-5 minutes sessions and about ½ an hour off between sessions (or longer).

And the best advice I ever got; "If you think, that one was great, I'll just do one more", then stop. The next one is usually always worse and you need to do 5 more to end it on a good note :)
 

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